For the first time in American history, a Korean-American senator has been elected. One of two senators representing New Jersey, Andy Kim won the race with 53.6% of the votes. As the son of Korean immigrants who pursued the American Dream, Andy Kim’s story reflects the lives of many students at PDS. Although the Korean community at PDS is relatively small, Andy Kim’s election has implications for all groups at the school.
Junior Hannah Kim shared her sentiments on Kim’s success. Kim first learned about him through his campaign signs around her neighborhood and her parents. When she learned that he won, she was happy that someone with the same background as her was now in the Senate. She explained, “I feel represented in American society. It shows that the Korean-American community is a force to be reckoned with.”
Junior Beth He, a cohead of APIDA, the Asian-American Affinity Group at PDS, has a similar outlook on Kim’s election. She described how she was proud to see someone “who looked like her” make his way into the prestigious Senate. In addition, Andy Kim is someone she can relate to; she explained, “I see my family and my story reflected in him.” Kim’s historic achievement demonstrated the success that she could achieve. He also touched on the implications of Kim’s election on the PDS community and American society. She stated, “[Asian-Americans] have always been underrepresented in the government,” making Andy Kim’s Senate seat a victory for all Asian-Americans. In addition, He discussed the recent rise in anti-Asian sentiments, especially during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. She hopes that Kim’s win represents a shift against long-held stereotypes against the Asian-American population, as well as progress towards combating the issues that disproportionately affect Asian-American communities.
Not only is Andy Kim’s win a significant moment in American history, it also marks the increased representation of Asian-Americans at PDS in the Federal government. Kim’s story and success continue to show the possibilities that one can achieve in America and encourages PDS students to aim high.
